NDLEA arrests 85-year-old grandmother and five others in Edo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested an 85-year-old woman, Grace Ehimeka, also known as Mama Grace. She was caught with 179kg of cannabis in Edo State.

Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Edo State NDLEA Commander, shared this news on Monday in a statement to journalists in Benin.

Ofoyeju reported that Ehimeka was arrested along with five other suspected drug traffickers during planned raids in communities around Owan East Local Government Area and other spots.

The operations led to the recovery of 407.39kg of cannabis, 546g of loud, 114g of tramadol, 4g of diazepam, and 3g of Swinol.

The other suspects are Ali Garba, 57; Habib Braimoh, 45; Musa Mubid, 35; Ayo Aigberadion, 53; and Hope Okoro, 35. They were arrested in Warake, Ivbiaro, Ewe Uzeba, and other areas based on reliable information.

Ofoyeju emphasized that age is not a reason to commit crimes. He said the command is dedicated to clearing the state of illegal drugs.

“The NDLEA Act is clear: you cannot hide under the canopy of old age and commit acts that break the law. Grace Ehimeka was caught on October 16, 2026, in her home at Warake community. This sets a bad example for her children and grandchildren,” he stated.

In her statement to the agency, Ehimeka reportedly accepted that the drugs belonged to her and asked for mercy.

“I am a widow and started selling cannabis over two years ago just to survive. My family has told me to stop, but I kept postponing my decision. Officers, if you give me another chance, I will never sell cannabis again,” she reportedly said.

In another operation in Ivbiaro community on October 15, operatives arrested Garba with 5.85kg of cannabis. Braimoh was caught the same day with 100g of cannabis.

Mubid was arrested in Warake with two kilograms of cannabis, 309g of cannabis seeds, 114g of loud, and 135g of various pharmaceutical drugs, including tramadol, Swinol, and diazepam.

Similarly, Aigberadion was taken into custody in Ewe/Irue, Owan East LGA, on October 16 with 220.8kg of cannabis. Okoro was also caught in Auchi, Edo State, with 237g of loud.

Ofoyeju stated that these arrests and seizures are part of the agency’s renewed efforts to fight drug trafficking and abuse. He urged the public to provide timely and credible information to help in the battle against illegal drugs.